₦airaland Forum

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he wonders the false accusation that Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna state governor, “will come up with tomorrow”.
The former president, who spoke through Ikechukwu Eze, his media aide, was reacting to el-Rufai’s claim that he gave N2bn each from the ecological fund to only states under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2013.
Speaking with state house correspondents at the end of the national economic council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, el-Rufai alleged that Jonathan was partial in the disbursement of the fund.
“What President Goodluck Jonathan did was to take N2 billion each from the ecological fund and gave to some PDP states. Any PDP state that was not his friend, like Kano and Kwara, didn’t get,” he had said.
But in a statement issued on Friday, Eze said el-Rufai had a knack for lying which Olusegun Obasanjo, his former principal, confirmed.
“That Malam Nasir El-Rufai governor of Kaduna state has an incurable knack for lying has been proven by his own boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo who described el-Rufai in his book-My Watch Volume 2 as follows: ‘Nasir’s penchant for reputation savaging is almost pathological. Why does he do it? He is brilliant and smart. I grant him that also. Very early in my interaction with him, I appreciated his talent and brilliance. At the same time, I recognised his weaknesses; the worst being his inability to be loyal to anybody or any issue consistently for long, but only to Nasir el-Rufai. He barefacedly lied which he did to me against his colleagues and so-called friends. I have heard of how he ruthlessly savaged the reputation of his uncle, a man who was like, in the African setting, his foster father. I shuddered when I heard the story of what he did to his half-brother in the air force who is senior to him in age’,” the statement read.
“With such a description, we are not surprised at his recent comments after the just concluded national economic council meeting where he accused former President Jonathan of only sharing the national ecological fund to PDP states.”
Dismissing the claim that only ally states got the fund, Jonathan’s aide said Akwa Ibom and Ekiti, which were“friendly states”, did not get a share of the money.
“It is so easy to expose Malam Nasir El-Rufai as a liar being that Akwa-Ibom, a PDP state governed by the then chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and a close confidante and major supporter of the then president, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, did not get the monies alluded to by Malam El-Rufai from the ecological fund as did multiple other PDP states including Ekiti state, a state governed by a thoroughbred patriot and Jonathan supporter, Ayo Fayose,” he said.
“Also, it is false that non-PDP states did not get monies from the fund. Nemesis catches up faster with liars than any other agent of evil. El-Rufai was probably led by the gods against his own sinister plot to confess in another breath that states under non-PDP parties like APGA and Labour party also benefitted.
“The fact remains that the ecological fund is a specialised fund with certain constitutional requirements which must be met before a state can access the funds. Every state benefitted from the fund under President Jonathan who bent over backwards to accommodate states that had difficulty meeting the criteria for accessing the fund.
“El-Rufai’s sinister narrative was intentionally silent on the over N10 billion specially deployed to fund the Great Green Wall (GGW) project in some northern states, in view of the need to work with the rest of Africa on the African initiative to check desert encroachment in the Sahelian states. These states included Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina and Adamawa. Others are Yobe, Borno and Kano which belong to Mallam el-Rufai’s class of ‘non-friendly’ states that he alleged never benefitted from any discretionary fund.
“Similar principle applies to the conditions for accessing the Universal basic Education fund where some states have not had access to what is due them, because they are yet to fulfill the mandatory criteria for allocation. Would it then be right in the name of el-Rufai’s position on equity to blame the failure of those states to access their UBEC funds on Jonathan?”
Eze said it was sad that “judicious presidential interventions to tackle emergencies and other pressing national needs are being interrogated in a rather facile manner, by those who never get tired of playing dirty politics”.
“Nigerians may recall that this is not the first time that el-Rufai has vented his known passion for lying against the former President,” he added.
“The public will recall that in October 2015 he falsely alleged that former President Jonathan spent a whopping N64 billion on Independence Day celebrations, during his tenure when in fact only N333 million was spent.
“Nigerians may also recall that this same El-Rufai falsely accused former President Jonathan and former CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor of founding and funding Boko Haram to the tune of N50 billion.”

Ailing President Muhammadu Buhari has regained his strength, significantly improved, doing very good, okay and awaiting his doctor’s nod to return to Nigeria.
The President left Nigeria for London on May 7 to continue with his medical treatment.
Premium Times reports that only his physicians can determine when he will return to Nigeria and to work.
“Oh yes; we thank God,” a source in the Nigeria High Commission in London, United Kingdom, told this newspaper when asked if the president’s health had improved substantially.
“He is doing very good; he is ok but his doctors will determine (when he will return).”
The official, who sees Mr. Buhari regularly, asked not to be named because he had no permission to discuss the president’s condition with journalists.
He had returned to Nigeria on March 10 after spending 51 days in the British capital during attending to his health.
Upon his return, the president said he “couldn’t recall being so sick since he was a young man, including in the military with its ups and downs.”
He also said he could not recall ever having blood transfusion before.
The president also hinted that he would return to the UK for further treatment.
“I’m feeling much better now. There may, however, be need for further follow up within some weeks,” Mr. Buhari had said while addressing the country.
The embassy source expressed sadness that some Nigerians could wish the president dead, saying “(it is) sad that any human being will wish another dead.”
“It’s sad but God is all seeing and will always suffice and to Him we submit all our affairs. They have failed and will continue to fail.”
Meanwhile, women from all walks of life on Wednesday converged in Abuja for a one-day prayer and fasting session for the speedy recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The women, led by President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Mrs Gloria Shoda said the prayers had become necessary to ensure the good health of the president.
“We have been praying as individuals in our closet but this time, we have decided to hold this open prayer for our president.
“We want him to recover quickly and return to work. The council has decided to make this prayer a monthly routine to ensure that things work well in this country also.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us and it is our responsibility to always pray for our leaders, most especially our president, irrespective of our political affiliations,’’ she said
Shoda said that the prayer session was also held to ask God to restore the glory of Nigeria and move the country forward.
Also speaking, Anna Nosike, the founder Gender Support for Women Emancipation and Empowerment Development told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the prayer session was to bring down the Hand of God upon Nigeria.

The police at Area M Idimu Command have finally arrested the serving minister at Believers World Ministry popularly known as Christ Embassy church, Rev. Sunday Olisa in connection with the alleged sexual molestation of his house maid which resulted in four pregnancies and abortions.
We reports that the arrest followed a pain-staking tracking of Olisa by the police team led by the Area Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Austines Akika on Wednesday.
Our correspondent gathered that following report, Akika mobilized and led the operation and Olisa was eventually arrested in a hideout in Isolo, Lagos.
Olisa was said to have sneaked into the Hospital where the victim was receiving treatment and wanted to pay the bill and take the victim away before he was arrested on a tip off.
We reported that the 16-year old orphan (name withheld) was lying critically ill with heavy bleeding coming from her private after she was induced with uncompleted abortion by his benefactor who is a minister at Christ Embassy Church Egbe branch in, Lagos.
The incident happened at 6 Dolamo street in Agodo Egbe in Ikotun area where the pastor, Sunday Olisa reside with the victim and family.
We reports that the police at Area M Idimu Command have started manhunt for the cleric after he reportedly escaped mob action from the residents over the incident.
The victim who was in a hospital bed narrated how ordeal to us how he started living with Olisa through her uncle, George Aguba.
She said her Mother was from Mali and married her father who was from Kwale in Delta State and had three Children.
She narrated that her parents died when she was 10 and their uncle planned to take them back to Kwale before Olisa offered to assist and took her to his house.
She said ” when i was 10, Olisa will call me inside his bedroom where nobody was around and drugged me and raped me severally and after the drug clear and I wake up, I will discover that my private was wet”
She said that had continued and when he attempted to report to the leaders of the church, they shut her up and told her to endure and do not complain because Olisa was sponsoring her education.
He said Olisa have taken her to different hospitals whenever he impregnated her and it has been like for the past six years.
She said she was frustrated and her movement regimented and was not allowed to meet her relations including her uncle, George.
On why he was in the hospital, the helpless victim, said Olisa impregnated her and wanted to cover it up and took her to a doctor where they carried out an abortion and brought her home.
She said after the abortion which was the 4th, she started having heavy bleed and she became afraid and came out from and street and raised alarm before he collapsed and taken to a Hospital where the doctors have been battling to save her life.
She said the doctor said the abortion was not completed which caused the heavy bleeding coming from her private.
She said she does not know how fate if she survive and discharged from the Hospital because he has no contact again with his uncle who did not know what she was passing through.
When our reporter went to the resident where Olisa lives, the residents confirmed the incident and rained curses on Olisa.
At the area M. Command who is handling the matter, the Area Commander, ACP Austines Akika was not around to comment on the matter.
However, Police sources confirmed the incident and told us that the matter is being investigated by a team of Police led by Female DSP Agatha.
We gathered that there is no officials response from the Church but some of the members expressed shock over the matter and was helping the police investigation.

A church worker at the Gospel Now Ministry, Johnson Ikechukwu Patrick has been arrested and charged before a Lagos court for allegedly burgled the church and carted away musical equipment worth N1.5m.
The incident happened at the church auditorium located at Lawal street in Shasha, Lagos.
He was charged with burglary and stealing and was remanded in prison custody.
We gathered that the Abia State-born Patrick who was a worker in the church attended a programme organized by the pastor of the church, Denis Balogun during the day.
Then, in the night around 9 P.M, he sneaked into the church and broke in through the window and gained entrance into the church auditorium.
When he did not find any money in the offering box, he reportedly carted away the musical equipment worth the amount and escaped.
Our correspondent gathered that among the items he stole are sound mixers, Microphones, Amplifiers, keyboard among others.
When the church members and workers resumed the next day for service, they discovered that those items was missing and they informed Pastor Balogun what happened.
The matter was reported to the police at Shasha division who went into investigation and discovered that it was Patrick that was behind the theft.
He was arrested and charged before Ejigbo Magistrates court with the alleged offence.
He pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Inspector Kenneth Asibor did not object to his bail, but urged the court to grant such bail that will enable Patrick to come for trial in the interest of justice.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs J.O.E Adeyemi granted him bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
He was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail.
The matter was adjourned till 11 July 2017.
When contacted the suspect admitted that he was a worker in the church and was not behind the theft as claimed by the police.

Two federal high courts on Thursday issued contradictory rulings on the detention of Ifeanyi Ubah, managing director of Capital Oil and Gas Limited.
A federal high court in Lagos had initially ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to release Ubah.
Mohammed Idris, the presiding judge, ordered the security agency to release him “unconditionally within 48 hours”.
In a 100 page judgment, the judge also berated the DSS for “lying” to the court that Ubah was arrested in Abuja, “while from every available evidence, he was arrested in Lagos and flown to Abuja”.
Shortly after, a federal high court in Abuja, in another ruling, gave the agency a go-ahead to detain Ubah for another 14 days.
Yusuf Halilu, the presiding judge of the Abuja court, extended Ubah’s detention order following an ex-parte application filed by the DSS.
The agency said the application, filed through its lawyer – G.O.A. Agbadua – was because an earlier order the court granted it on May 10, elapsed on Wednesday.
The judge also dismissed a motion on notice brought by Ubah asking the court to vacate the earlier ex-parte it granted on May 10 which allowed the DSS to detain him for 14 days.
Agbadua informed the court of the agency’s new motion ex-parte brought pursuant to section 296(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
In the motion, the DSS asked the court to grant an order extending the detention of Ubah for another 14 days.
The counsel said it was as a result of the agency’s inability to “conclude investigation” within the initial 14 days granted it to detain Ubah.
He said the investigation into the matter “took on a wider dimension”.
Meanwhile, Ifeoma Esom, Ubah’s lawyer, has filed a fresh application before the court asking it to compel the DSS to release Ubah on administrative bail.

The Government of the United Kingdom on Wednesday deported 35 Nigerians for committing immigration-related offences in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deportees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMlA) Lagos at about 5.50 a.m.
The deportees, comprising 30 males and five females, were brought back aboard a chartered Titanic Airways aircraft with registration Number: G-POWO.
The spokesman of the Lagos Airport Police Command, Joseph Alabi, confirmed the development to NAN.
The deportees were received by officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Police.
Also on ground to receive them were officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
NAN gathered that the deportees were profiled by the immigration authorities and were each given a stipend to facilitate their transportation to their respective states.
The British authorities had on March 31 deported 23 Nigerians for similar reasons.

Titi Atiku, wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday told an Ikeja High Court that she trusted a business partner who allegedly defrauded her of N918 million because of his status as a pastor.
“I thought that the first defendant, being a pastor, he will not defraud me.
“I thought that he was being genuine with me during our business dealings,” Mrs Abubakar said while being cross examined in the ongoing fraud trial against a pastor, Nsikakabasi Akpan-Jacobs, Abdulmalik Ibrahim and Dana Motors Ltd.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had slammed the accused with a 15- count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and fraudulent conversion of property worth N918 million belonging to THA Shipping Maritime Services Ltd.
Amos Ibe, the defence counsel to Mr. Akpan-Jacobs, while cross examining Mrs Abubakar, questioned why she used different monikers in company documents relating to the fraud.
“Before I start cross examining you Ma, should I refer to you as Your Excellency?
“Why was the name Florence Doregos used in the petition from the EFCC which is exhibit one, as well as other fake names in documents you used to transact business with the first defendant?,” Mr. Ibe queried.
Replying, Titi said: “I am Her Excellency forever, it was under my instruction and direction that the petition was written.
“My name is Florence Doregos, my name is Titi Amina Atiku Abubakar, the Mrs in the petition is a mistake made by my Lawyer.
“Florence is my name and it was easy for me to use Doregos while I was in state service.
“The name of my biological father is Dorego Albert, we are from Ilesha but I have cousins who are from the Republic of Benin.
“I can choose Doregos, I can choose Albert as my surname, they are all my names, even Dino Melaye, his name is Daniel but he calls himself Dino.
“I can twist my name anyhow I want.”
Responding to Mr. Ibe’s questions about her identity when she married the former Vice-President, she said “I married my husband at the Ikoyi Registry in 1971.
“I was a Christian before I married my husband, Angelina is my baptismal name, Florence is my confirmation name.
“When I got married to my husband, I converted to Islam and I have been called Amina Titilayo, Titilayo was what I was called at home,” she said.
Mr. Ibe, however, still questioning Mrs Atiku’s real identity, told her that a book written in honour of her husband titled ‘Atiku: The Story of Atiku Abubakar,’ claimed that she was from a Local Government Area in Adamawa.
“I am from my husband’s Local Government Area by virtue of marriage.
“Whether I’m from the moon o, that’s not the matter on ground,” she said.
Mr. Ibe sought to tender the book written in honour of the former Vice-President to the court but it was rejected by Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye.
“The document does not fall under the definition of a public document under the Evidence Act, it is a private document, it is therefore rejected,” Justice Ipaye said.
NAN reports that THA Shipping Maritime Services Ltd, a company created in 2000 belonged to Mrs Atiku, Akpan-Jacobs and Fred Holmes.
She was allegedly to be the majority shareholder with 49 per cent shares, while Holmes and Akpan-Jacobs each had 25 per cent shares.
Mr. Akpan-Jacobs, who also doubled as the company’s Managing Director and Secretary, was accused to have gone to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and altered the share holding in his favour and forging the company’s board resolution.
He allegedly under the new share arrangement allotted 70 per cent shares to himself and 15 per cent shares each to Titi and Holmes.
According to the EFCC, welding a fraudulent shareholding power, Mr. Akpan-Jacobs sold a property belonging to the company to Dana Motors Nigeria Ltd for N918 million.
The property is located at Plot C63 A, Amuwo-Odofin Commercial Layout along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the defence disputed Mrs Abubakar’s claims that she invested over N1.2billion in the business transactions with the defendants.
“Your petition stated that you invested over N200 million and in another document it stated that you invested over N1.2billion, which fact is correct?
“Do you have accounting reports, did you hire an auditor to look at the accounts, how did you arrive at N1.2billion?
“N200 million is the money I spent in building the bonded terminal, by the time it was ready, it was worth N1.2billion.
“Akpan-Jacobs never gave me any records, I was in the state service, I did not get any auditor, Akpan-Jacobs has the evidence of the money I spent, I didn’t know that our business transactions will become a court case,” she said.
Mrs Abubakar, while in the witness box, accused Mr. Akpan-Jacobs of using her company property as a collateral for a bank loan that he sought when he wanted to run for the Akwa-Ibom governorship election.
“He used my bonded terminal as a collateral for a loan when he wanted to run for governorship of Akwa-Ibom, when he couldn’t refund the money the bank wanted to acquire the bonded terminal, he sold it to Dana Motors Ltd,
“I was the largest shareholder of THA Shipping Company with 49% of shares, my German partner Fred Holmes had 26% and Akpan-Jacobs has 25%.
“Akpan-Jacobs never contributed a dime to the company, I couldn’t be involved in all the documentation because I was in service.
“He did the registration and promotion of the company, he brought all the papers to me at the villa to sign, he later fraudulently changed the shareholding powers of my shipping company to favour himself.
“He gave me 15 percent, Holmes 15 percent and he took 70 percent shareholding power for himself.
“I never entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with him to sell the company, that is why I’m in court, when he couldn’t repay the loan, he sold the company to Dana Motors Ltd.
“When the fraud happened, we initially agreed to settle out of court, but instead of settling, he went to sell the cranes and the company, giving the EFCC N16 million which I received, “ she said.
Mr. Akpan-Jacobs’ lawyer asked the court to cancel the next court date slated for May 24 for continuation of the trial on the grounds of his Ill health.
“My Lord, I ask for the previously adjourned date of May 24 to be vacated because I am currently battling ill health,” Mr. Ibe said.
Babatunde Sonoiki, the EFCC counsel however, opposed Mr. Ibe’s request.
“There have been four adjournments at the cost of the plaintiff, she flies in at great risk to her safety from Abuja for every court date and she is supposed to be helping to take care of a newborn of one of her children.
“We have another witness who has travelled on four occasions for 15 hours by road from Yola and the case keeps being adjourned, I will like to request for a cost of N750,000 from the defendants to cover the financial expenses of the plaintiff,” he said.
Justice Ipaye granted a cost of N100,000 against Mr. Akpan-Jacobs and adjourned the case until July 5 and 6 for continuation of trial.

In demonstration of its commitment to deliver superior and innovative banking solutions to its customers, pan African financial institution, United Bank for Africa Plc, has announced the launch of a brand new mobile banking application with many user friendly features.

The new mobile app which comes with the biometric log-in feature for secure, personalized access is now available for download on Apple and Google Play App Stores.

The UBA Mobile Banking App has been tailor-made to enhance ease of banking by enabling customers to carry out their transactions without visiting a branch.

Other features of the app, highlighted by UBA’s Head of Digital Banking, Dr. Adeyinka Adedeji include: “a more interactive, user friendly interface, ATM/branch locator for easy access to the bank’s touch-points, easier airtime top up via direct selection of contacts from the phone address book, auto reminder for bill payments and recurrent transfers”.

He further stated that the app has fewer clicks, thereby allowing easier navigation and faster transactions. Customers using the One Time Password (OTP) can perform transactions of up to N200,000(Two Hundred Thousand Naira only). Also in a bid to maintain a closer relationship with its customers, UBA has introduced a round the clock live chat platform to the app.

The GMD/CEO UBA, Kennedy Uzoka was delighted with the launch of the new mobile app and said of it: ‘ UBA’s new Mobile Banking App demonstrates our resolve to provide unparalleled experience across all its channels It is in line with UBA’s vision to dominate Africa’s digital banking space’

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than fourteen million customers across over 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 19 African countries.

With presence in New York, London and Paris, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services.

Hollywood veteran actor, Roger Moore, popularly known as James Bond is dead.
The movie star died in Switzerland after a brief bout with cancer. He died at the age of 89.
A message from his family and shared on the actor’s official Twitter account Tuesday reads, ‘‘With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated.’’
The statement continued that Moore ‘‘has passed away today in Switzerland after a short but brave battle with cancer.
‘‘The love with which he was surrounded in his final days was so great it cannot be quantified in words alone.’’

There was heavy traffic jam on Oluwaleimu Street in the Allen Avenue area of Lagos on Saturday, May 20 as stars gathered from all over the country for the official commissioning of the sparkling new COSON House, the first real property owned by any organization, association, union or group in the Nigerian creative industry. Despite the heavy deployment of security men and traffic control officials, the neighbourhood buzzed with people streaming from every direction wishing to partake in the history making event.

The roll call of dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Moses Ekpo who was the first Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission. Also present was Professor Egerton Uvieghara, former Chairman of the Nigerian Copyright Commission. Among the array of stars at the commissioning were music icons like Prof Victor Uwaifo, Sir Shina Peters, Chris Ajilo, Baba Dee Fasasi, Azeezat, Kenny Saint Brown, Princess Ann Inyang etc. There were music industry gurus like Obi Asika of Cabal Entertainment, Dr Ben Ofoeze of Billtop, Mr Joel Ajayi of MULOAN, Hon John Ewelukwa Udegbunam, immediate past president of MORAN and Engineer Sharon Esco Wilson of MUPMAN.

Prominent amongst the entertainment and media figures present were Ken Calebs Olumese, Guvnor of Niteshift Coliseum; Ayo Animashaun who owns the wave making HipTV; Azu Arinze, Publisher of Yes International Magazine; Lawrence Wilbert of Agilent Wireless; Steve Judo of Channels Television; Nnamdi Agwunobi, CEO Greenbee Communications; Chidi Uloka representing the Director-General of NTA, Obi Ezeilo, Lagos Zonal Manager of the Nigerian Copyright Commission representing the DG of the commission, Mr John Asein, C.E.O REPRONIG, Mr Afam Nwokedi, Principal Partner Still Water and Chairman Intellectual Property committee, NBA etc. There was also a top representative of the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)

Practically every major media organization in the country: NTA, Channels TV, TVC, Galaxy TV, LTV, HIP TV, AIT, ITV, FRCN, BISCON, etc, sent a powerful crew to cover the epoch making event as paparazzi fought paparazzi for vantage positions and flash bulbs exploded in every direction. Not to be outdone at the big event were politicians like Senator Annie Okonkwo and Ministers of the Gospel like Pastor Anselem Madubuko who also sent top representatives.

The commissioning itself was a top-class event with every detail planned by Chief Tony Okoroji, Nigeria’s grand master of exquisite events. There was an elaborate cocktail on the expansive red carpet laid out in front of COSON House with enchanting lights radiating from the bowels of the earth as paparazzi went crazy.

Sir Shina Peters raised the flag of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at COSON House while Sir Victor Uwaifo raised the flag of COSON. Prof Egerton Uvieghara unveiled the sign that welcomes you to COSON House while the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Moses Ekpo cut the tape to commission the building amidst roaring applause, amazing fireworks and countless balloons released to the skies.

After the inspection of the state of the art facilities in the building, the guests congregated at the COSON House Arena on the top floor of the building where they were treated to an unforgettable show in an environment that sparkles with every imaginable audio visual technology presently known to man. Meanwhile, on the ground floor, a band kept those who could not be accommodated at the COSON House Arena grooving all day.

Speaker after speaker at the commissioning poured encomium on the visionary leadership of Chief Tony Okoroji whose indomitable spirit made the COSON House dream a reality. Chief Okoroji on his part thanked his Board, the management of COSON and the team of skilled Nigerian professionals who worked tirelessly to build COSON House in record time without any money from the government, any support from any donor agency or any loan from any bank.

An after party was held after the commissioning at the Arena for the carpenters, bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, painters, welders, P.O.P. men and all the skilled artisans who made the COSON House dream a reality. They were joined by the staff of COSON to dance away the night with music oozing out of the walls and the roof of the COSON House Arena and strobe lights speaking a language only known to them.

What a day!

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has spent the past couple of seasons proving himself as one of Serie A’s top stoppers with Roma, and now admits leaving the Gunners was the best thing that could have happened.

Szczesny made the bold move to walk away from the Emirates, albeit on a loan basis, after slipping down the pecking order following the club’s signing of Petr Cech from rivals Chelsea.

The Poland international realised at the time his situation was looking bleak following a spate of poor form, and now admits leaving north London in search of regular football was the ‘probably the best thing that could have happened.’

‘I could have stayed in an environment that was going negatively for me. Instead the opportunity that came gave me a fresh start. You get a new perspective. You get new coaches and influences. You learn new drills. You do new things. Now I am very happy that it happened, even if the first impression was that I might be out of Arsenal, which was very painful. Now I think it was probably the best thing that could have happened to me,’ Szczesny said in a recent interview with The Guardian.
The 27-year-old was aware his career was swinging back and forth at Arsenal, with strong performances often mixed with poor or indifferent showings.

Taking this into account, Szczesny admits his fear of not taking his career to greater heights, and at worst continuing to stay still in terms of development and progression.
‘The one thing I want to do is make sure I don’t stay still… I was quite still for five years – sometimes I played better, sometimes worse, sometimes phenomenal, sometimes rubbish. You take steps forwards and backwards. It is not very good for your head if you go up and down and up and down. I want to try to keep going up, with my quality and with my decisions that I make,’ said Szczesny.

‘I am 27, the best I have ever been, I still have room to improve and I want to make sure that room doesn’t stay empty. I want to go into that room. It feels like a big moment,’ he added.

The Pole has risen in stature at Roma and has played a pivotal part in their Serie A campaign this season.

Szczesny was also a key figure during the recent huge win over Italian giants Juventus, patrolling his area dominantly as Roma romped to an emphatic and statement-making 3-1 victory.

The upcoming end of the season could well mark the end of Szczesny’s extended stay in the Italian capital, but the 27-year-old readily acknowledges that he owes the club a lot for how they have enabled him to develop.

‘The biggest thing I have taken away from these two years at Roma is the fact I grew as a goalkeeper. It’s just raising your levels, your standards. I absorbed a bigger knowledge of football, the tactical side of the game.

‘You don’t see me with that rush of blood that I used to have as a younger keeper. It’s not that I don’t feel that rush of blood but tactically you are more aware of when to be involved, when to let the defenders recover,’ Szczesny added.

The aim of football is simply, to score goals. Scoring goals just came naturally to these players. And there are some players who have cemented their place in history by scoring a bucket load of goals from all different kids of situations and angles. All the players listed here have scored more than 500 goals in their career, and have been absolute legends for their various country and clubs. The statistics is correct as of 3rd may 2017

Arthur Friedenreich – 1,329 goals:
Surprisingly the man who tops this list is not Pele, but another Brazilian who went by the name Arthur Friedenreich.
The Brazilian striker played for an astonishing 26 years from 1909-1935 scoring an absolutely incredible 1,329 goals in his career. He was the Copa America player of the tournament and the golden boot winner in 1919. However, he never represented Brazil in a World Cup as there was a serious misunderstanding between the Football Leagues of the States of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Nicknamed the ‘Tiger’, he was the game’s first outstanding black player and he had to face many barriers and widespread racism throughout his career. He played a starring role in Brazil’s 1919 and 1922 Copa America campaign and he was crowned as the “King of football” in Brazil’s 1925 tour of Europe. The late Arthur Friedenreich with 1,329 goals is the greatest goalscorer in football history.

Pele – 1,281 goals:
In the 1958 World Cup, a 17-year and 239-day old Brazilian striker emerged as probably the greatest prodigy of all time. With his pace, effortless grace, immense poise, impressive power and most importantly supreme intelligence,
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, fondly known as Pele, is probably one of the greatest footballers of all time. Winning three World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970, the only player in the world to achieve such a feat Pele has also scored a whopping 1281 goals in 1363 games.
The striker who made the world believe in this game through his game, a player who brought a whole nation together, surely it is difficult to have found someone who has done it better than the legend Pele. Pele never played in Europe, spending the majority of his career at childhood club Santos. He spent a couple of seasons at New York Cosmos before calling time on his stunning career.

Josef Bican – 805 goals:
The player with a most incredible goals to game ratio of 1.52, Josef Bican was the season’s highest scorer in Europe on five separate occasions. Bican had the ability to play with both feet; he also had considerable pace and was able to run 100 metres in 10.8 seconds, which was as fast as many sprinters of the time. The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) awarded Bican the “Golden Ball” as the greatest goalscorer of the last century. Bican is best known for his time with Rapid Vienna and Slavia Prague. He is the only person in the history of the game to score 7 goals in a game on three different occasions. His goalscoring exploits with Vienna and Prague are scarcely believable. In 49 games for Vienna he scored 52 times while with Prague, he played 217 times scoring an astonishing 395 goals. With 805 goals in his career, the tall, handsome and speedy Austrian is the third highest goalscorer in the history of the game.

Romario – 743 goals:
In a long and successful career which spanned for close to 24 years, Romario cemented his legacy as one of the greatest goal scorers to ever play the game.
The Brazilian is best remembered for his times at PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona Blessed with supreme dribbling skills and finishing, Romario’s laid back manner and supreme self-confidence made him one of the most dangerous forwards of all time.
He scored 165 goals in 167 games for PSV and he also scored a very impressive 39 goals in his two seasons at Barcelona. In a nomadic career where he played for clubs like Flamengo, Vasco Da Gama, PSV, Barcelona and Valencia, Romario scored an amazing 688 goals in his 886 appearances. He also scored 55 goals for Brazil and with 743 goals in his career, Romario is the fourth greatest goal scorer of all time.

Gerd Muller – 711 goals:
Gerd Müller is the most lethal finisher in the history of football. The German was not one to show fancy footwork or waste his time doing some eye-catching stepovers. What he did do was score goals and he scored everytime he played. Müller’s statistics are truly astonishing.
He has scored an amazing 711 goals for club and country and he even held the record for the most goals in a calendar year before it was broken by Lionel Messi. Müller scored 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga matches for Bayern Munich, almost 100 goals more than the second most successful Bundesliga scorer, Klaus Fischer. Famous football author David Winner best epitomized Muller’s game when he said:“He never fitted the conventional idea of a great footballer, but he had lethal acceleration over short distances, a remarkable aerial game, and uncanny goalscoring instincts. His short legs gave him a strangely low center of gravity, so he could turn quickly and with perfect balance in spaces and at speeds that would cause other players to fall over.
He also had a knack of scoring in unlikely situations.” Muller is quite simply the best finisher in football history.

Ferenc Puskas – 700 goals:
Blessed with a thunderous left foot and superb positioning skills, Ferenc Puskas is easily one of the greatest players to ever play the game. He was the lynchpin of the all-conquering “Magical Magyars” and led the Hungary team to unprecedented success.
During the second half of his career, Puskas formed a deadly combination with the great Alfredo Di Stefano during his stint at Real Madrid as they the duo tore up defences and guided the Los Blancos to five straight league titles and three European Cups.
The legendary Hungarian striker was La Liga’s top scorer for 4 seasons in a row. His phenomenal goal scoring prowess can be seen from the fact that he scored an astonishing 616 goals in 620 appearances for his club sides. He is also Hungary’s record scorer having scored 84 times in 85 appearances.
With 700 goals in his amazing career, Puskas is the sixth highest goalscorer of all time.

Eusebio – 621 Goalseusebio:
Statistics in football are often overrated, but 621 goals in 637 appearances, makes the Portuguese ‘black panther’ Eusebio one of the greatest goalscorers of all time. For many, including the great Pele, Eusebio was the undisputed king of football. That he had a god given talent, was clear to everyone who was fortunate enough to watch him play. Blessed with an athletic physique and an incredible eye for goal, Eusebio is best remembered for his time with Benfica, where he won a European Cup and 11 Premiere Ligas.
In 440 matches for the Portuguese giants, he scored an incredible 473 times and he is still considered by many to be the greatest Portuguese footballer of all time. Eusebio won various personal accolades in those years, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1965 and coming second the following year where he lost to Bobby Charlton by a single vote. In 1968, he was awarded the Golden Boot for most number of goals in Europe, and achieved that feat again five years later. ‘The black panther’ definitely one of the greatest strikers to ever play the beautiful game.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 593 goals:
One of the two standout players of this generation, Cristiano Ronaldo is easily one of the greatest players of all time. Ronaldo joined Real Madrid from Manchester United for a then world record fee of £80 million and he has been worth every single penny so far. Ever since his move to Real Madrid, his goalscoring exploits have been simply mind boggling. In 389 appearances, Ronaldo has scored an astonishing 399 goals and has been at the forefront of Real
Madrid’s two Champions League triumphs in the last 3 years. He was also prolific with Manchester United where he scored 118 times in 292 games. Ronaldo has now scored an incredible 522 goals for his club sides making him the greatest goalscorer among the current footballers. With 71 goals for Portugal, he is their all-time record goalscorer. He has scored a total of 593 goals in his career, and if he continues his incredible goalscoring exploits, he is sure to be ranked much higher than #9 by the time his career is over.

Ferenc Deak – 576 goals:
With 576 goals recorded for club and country, legendary Hungarian footballer Ferenc Deak takes the #8 position on this list. Deak was a supreme goalscorer who had an astonishing 1.15 goals to game ratio throughout his career. He played for several clubs in his active career which includes Szentlrinci SE, Ferencváros and Budapesti Dózsa. He also represented the Hungary national team 20 times where he netted a phenomenal 29 goals. For his astonishing goalscoring efforts, Ferenc Deak was named the Hungarian footballer of the year in 1946. The second world war prevented Deak from playing more for Hungary, otherwise, this legendary goalscorer might have well been higher up on this list.

Lionel Messi – 571 goals:
The only footballer ever to win the Ballon d’Or five times, Lionel Messi is an absolute phenomenon. The diminutive Argentine has been Barcelona’s main man since 2008 and has put in some spell bounding performances for both Barcelona and Argentina. The Argentine maestro who is still only 29 has scored an incredible 513 goals in 621 matches for the Catalan giants. A player who has defined a generation along with Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi is definitely one of the greatest footballers of all time. Also, Messi is the highest scorer for his national side as well with 58 goals in 117 appearances.
One of only two active players on this list, Messi’s position will definitely be much closer to the top when he calls time on his illustrious career.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has said that comparing his performance with that of the ruling All Progressives Congress in two years, Nigerians have seen the difference between good governance and false promises.
Wike spoke during the commissioning of the Second Nkpogu Bridge as part of activities marking his second year anniversary in office.
The governor explained that the decision was taken for former President, Goodluck Jonathan to commission the second Nkpogu bridge to communicate to the nation that the former President won’t be abandoned.
He said, “We are not politicians that when anything is wrong, they sing different song. Rivers State is a different place.
“When we believe in you, we believe in you. We are different from other Niger Delta states. We can say it with all authority.
“We cannot come out in the public and begin to castigate our own. Those of them who do that, should have a rethink. For us, it doesn’t matter the blackmail against Jonathan, we will continue to back him.”
Speaking further, Governor Wike added, “Those who think that they have promises from those who think they own Nigeria should be careful.
“They will use you and dump you at the appropriate time.”
Meanwhile, speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of the Second Nkpogu Bridge as part of the second year anniversary of the Wike administration, the immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan says he has no regret that Chief Nyesom Wike, stating that the Governor has turned the entire Rivers state into a construction yard.
His words, “I have no regrets that Governor Wike is the governor of Rivers State. I am happy that the governor has opened up Rivers State through projects.
“Wike has shown so much commitment to infrastructural development. The whole of Rivers State is now a construction yard.”
Jonathan pointed out that the appreciation for the excellent performance of Wike goes beyond party lines, recalling that the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo had after visiting the state declared that the governor is delivering on projects.
While appreciating the people of Rivers State for the support they gave him throughout his eight year involvement in national politics, he expressed happiness for the invitation to commission the important Second Nkpogu Bridge.
In his remarks, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike stated that two years of All Progressives Congress, APC, in government, Nigerians have seen the difference between good governance and false promises.

The immediate past managing director of Mainstreet Bank registrar, a subsidiary of Skye Bank Plc located at Maryland, Lagos state, Oluwadare Akingbola, 40 and a manager with new a generation bank, Suleiman Adedokun, 46 has been arraigned before a Lagos magistrate court for allegedly fraudulently withdrawing the sum of N760 million from the account of the Mainstreet bank registrar without authority and shared it.
Also arraigned with them for the same alleged offense was one Udoka Martins Uwah. Still at large.
Akingbola and Adedokun were arrested by the operatives of the Force Criminal Investigations and Intelligent Department, FCIID, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos and after investigation by Inspector Thomas Nku and his team, Akingbola and Adedokun and Udoka Martins Uwah, still at large, were arraigned before an Igbosere magistrate court, Lagos on a three count charge of felony to wit: stealing.
Police prosecutor, Asp Henry Obiazi, informed the court in charge No. H/20b/2017 that the accused persons committed the alleged offense between December 2016 and January 2017 at the Mainstreet Bank registrar’s office at Maryland office.
Obiazi told the court that Oluwadare Akingbola used his position as the former managing director of Mainstreet Bank Registrar to connive with Suleiman Adedokun and Udoka Martins Uwah, Still at large, to fraudulently withdrew the sum of N760m from the account of Mainstreet bank registrar without authority and shared it.
He said the offenses the accused persons committed are punishable under sections 411, 287(a) and (9)(c) of the criminal laws of Lagos State, 2015.
All the accused however denied the police allegations in the open court and magistrate Mrs. O. G. Oghre admitted them to bail in the sum of N5 million each with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the case till 25 May, 2017 for mention.
All the defendants were however taken to Ikoyi prisons, Lagos pending when they will be able to fulfill their bail conditions.

Nigeria’s Miss Anne-Marie Osawemwemze Imafidon will on Friday be decorated by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, with the prestigious honour of Member of the Most Excellent British Empire (MBE) for her services to young women with specialty in Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The eldest daughter of Prof. Chris and Ann Imafidon from Edo State whose family has been dubbed the Brainiest Family in Europe, Anne-Marie holds the record of being the youngest girl to ever pass two GCSE examinations — for Mathematics and Information Technology and A-level computing at the age of 11 in Britain.

An MBE is an award given by the Queen to an individual for outstanding service to the community or local hands on service.

Due to her high exceptional brilliance, she received a British Scholarship to study Mathematics at the John Hopkins University at the age of 13 in 2003. Two years later, she commenced a degree at Oxford University after which she enrolled for her Masters degree setting another record of the youngest Masters degree holder from the Ivy league university.

Imafidon, who is a multi-linguist, speak six languages and has worked with Goldman Sachs, Hewlett-Packard, Deutsche Bank, and Lehman Brothers. In 2013, she founded Stemettes, a social enterprise which inspires the next generation of women into pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with an objective to break barriers women who pursue a career in the field face.

Stemettes, which grants awards to young women, have programs workshops and events designed to introduce young women to STEM careers, concepts, and role models, have attracted over 7000 young women from across the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Imafidon’s rather unique achievements at a young age has stood her out as a person to watch out for by the British press; she was named on Evening Standard’s recent list of ’25 under 25s’ and a Guardian ‘Top 10 women in tech you need to know’ as well as being the UK IT Industry & British Computer Society’s Young IT Professional of the Year in 2013.

Her father, Professor Chris Imafidon, known as the patriarch of Britain’s brainiest family, said he received the news last year of her inclusion in the 2017 honours list with shock.

“Like every parent would feel, we are still in shock. This is simply God-orchestrated. I, personally never believed that her young career would accelerate to this historic height. This is beyond belief,” he said in a chat.

The Imafidon families definitely have the achievers blood running in their DNA as not only Anne-Marie dominates their achievements wall of fame. Her sister, Christina, 24, is the youngest student to ever get accepted and study at an undergraduate institution at any British university at 11; another sister, Samantha, 17, having passed two rigorous high school-level mathematics and statistics exams at the age of six, while the twins, Peter and Paul, made British history as the youngest students to ever enter high school when they became the youngest to ever pass the University of Cambridge’s advanced mathematics exam, setting world records by passing the A/AS-level Math papers.

With the Imafidon family has been setting across the world, he advised parents to change their methods of education in an obvious changing world in order to explore every child’s gifts and talents.

“The same God has given every child gifts and talents. We parents must join the ExcellenceinEducatio­n.org.uk in developing such massive potential. As stated in my forthcoming book entitled “The Genius in You”, we can’t use the old methodology of learning. Schools and society must wake to the re-engineered system of education that understands that there is a genius in every child and greatness in every adult. This genius is irrespective of ethnicity, gender, nationality, postcode, class or creed. So every family can equal or exceed our achievements.”

Prof Chris Imafidon who invented this accelerated academic and career development path, has tested it on people of diverse race and it produced the same or improved result and achievement as attain by his children. He stated that some of this exceptional educative methods are including in his book, “The Genuis in you.”

He revealed that he will be visiting Nigeria very soon to launch the learning methodology to enable Nigerian parents learning of their winning ways while Anne-Marie will be expand Stemettes to also offer Nigeria young girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM an opportunity to realize their dreams.

“Our grandparents taught us that charity begins at home. We are very enthusiastic about Africa and must contribute our quota to the training and education of young minds. We want to launch a bigger program in Africa, particularly Nigeria and work with the corporate community, industry leaders so that we can deploy the re-engineered learning methodology of www.ExcellenceinEduc­ation.org.uk program. We know that with these programs young Nigerians can equal or exceed our record-breaking achievement. The next generation of Africans have no choice but excel because there is a genius in everyone.”

Others Nigerians who will also be honoured this year include Prof. Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu, a Professor of Nursing, who gets an OBE for her services to nursing and the Mary Seacole statue appeal, Chris Ofili, an artist who gets a CBE for his services to arts and Jeremiah Oluwatosin Ayotunde, a Cadet Colour Sergeant who gets an OBE for his services to young people and the community of London. Top ranking tennis star, Andy Murray, is among the hundreds of achievers to be honoured.

Former YBNL artiste and Alternative music star Adekunle Gold has announced the incorporation of a band into his act.
The eight-man band, named The 79th Element consists of seven male and a female.
The singer announced this on his social media page on Wednesday.
“I get asked a lot why I have now decided to incorporate a band into my act. Simple…God gives you a vision, once you begin to act on it, he will send you helpers…These are the people who make my vision come alive, including my first sweetheart my sister. Dear friends, I give you the 79th element,” Adekunle Gold wrote on his various social media platforms.
Adekunle Gold recently confirmed his exit from YBNL, a label owned by rap star, Olamide which launched him to stardom.
He dropped the confirmation in a recent interview with Planet TV.

NOIPolls, the premier organization for country specific polling services in West Africa has released a Social Perception Survey on Lesbian, Gays and Bisexual Rights showing an increase in acceptance rate of Lesbian, Gays and Bisexuals in Nigeria.
Commissioned by The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs), a non-profit organization working to protect the rights of sexual minorities, the report showed a rise in family acceptance from 11 percent in 2015 to 13 percent in 2017. Findings also show that 39 percent of Nigerians now say that Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual persons should be allowed to have access to public services, a 9 per cent increase from 30 per cent of respondents in 2015.
One of the highlights of the report was the fact that 17 percent of respondents answered in affirmative when asked if they know someone who is Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual- a family member, friend, or someone within their locality.
The survey method involved a random nationwide sampling of 2,000 respondents who were interviewed over the telephone. Participants were selected from the six geo-political zones through a proportionate stratified random sample design.
NOIPolls delivers forward-thinking research and relevant data on public opinion and consumer markets.
Click here to view the full report: http://theinitiativeforequalrights.org/resources/

.Say JCOST not carried along in strike by clearing agents

As the withdrawal of service by clearing agents and other stakeholders continue at the nation’s seaports, a body of truck owners under the auspices of Joint Council of Seaport Truckers (JCOST) has threatened to sue the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) over alleged extortion by officials of the agencies.
The group also said that the 2016 sticker permit on truck standardization issued by NPA to every truck plying the ports at N10,000 each was illegal, saying they are set to challenge the group in the court of law
Speaking at a round table meeting with journalists under the aegis of Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) in Lagos on recently, Chairman of JCOST, Alhaji Kayode Odunowo alleged that too many levies paid by truckers to government agencies, which in turn have rendered most transporters jobless.
Odunowo maintained that any moment from now we will be in court with the NPA over issue of sticker permit and obnoxious levies and fines by FRSC.
He disclosed that the matter is already with the Federal High Court and the case would likely come up for mentioning soon.
According to him, the regulatory agencies have contributed negatively to truckers operations, stressing the need for government to reduce the number of agencies on the roads.
The truck owners however stated that apart from the Nigeria Air force every other paramilitary agencies of government including the Nigeria Navy, Army, Police, etc have allegedly extorted transporters operating within the seaports
Odunowo was accompanied by the Secretary General of the Council, Chief Godwin Ikeji who also call on the government to create an enabling environment to lighten both government agencies deployed on the highways and truck operators.
Speaking on some of the challenges faced by transporters operating within the ports corridors, the truck owners noted that it takes five days for a truck to access the seaport in Lagos, pointing out that the roads linking the ports are in deplorable condition.
The chairman however accused truck owners in the dry cargo section of haulage business due to lack of co-ordination in their operations.
He commended operators in the wet cargo section for a better coordinated operations in the oil and gas industry urging maritime truck owners to work together in achieving success in the business environment.
On the ongoing service withdrawal by transporters and freight agents across the country, the council lamented that the body was not carried along and the organizer did not adequately mobilise the all the stakeholders.
He explained that the moves and ideas on the action was commendable but it has no role to play in the ongoing strike
JCOST Chairman said that the council is not against the strike but added that the “council had been involved in the issue of the poor port access roads which prompted withdrawal of service sometimes last year and we spend more than N4 million to fill some of the bad spots on Apapa road that year.
We are not part of the strike but we are interested in what brought about the strike. We have documents to show that we have written to the government concerning the bad condition of the ports access roads, he said.
Odunowo however appealed to the government to expedite action to fix the bad roads saying it would help to forestall incessant falling of trucks along the port roads as well as help to cushion the effect on the trucks.
He said: “We want government to repair the ports access roads, we have been calling on the government to try their best as our truck with containers are falling down every day and that mean loss of business for the truck owners and the containers too.
If the roads are in good condition, it will be easy for the trucks to move the goods faster and do about three trips in a day,” he added.

The minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has hailed the Goodluck Jonathan government for almost completing all the projects in his ministry.
Speaking at an Abuja Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, May 16, Amaechi commended the immediate past administration for embarking on massive projects that have been beneficial to Nigerians.
“In the ministry of transportation, we did not meet anything comatose. We met an attempt to bring back our rail services,” Amaechi said.
He continued: “The Kaduna-Abuja railway which was nearly 80% completed which we commissioned and commercial services have commenced.’’
We learnt that Amaechi noted that the Muhammadu Buhari administration continued the projects because “we realised the impact of the recession.’’
Amaechi’s predecessor in the ministry of transportation is Senator Idris A.Umar, a 57-year old politician from Gombe state.
Meanwhile, the minister of agriculture Audu Ogbeh has raised an alarm that eight ships filled with low quality rice are being imported to Nigeria from Singapore.
Ogbeh who raised the alarm at the mid-term town-hall meeting of the federal government in Abuja on Tuesday, May 16 said the ship are currently heading to Nigeria.
The minister further warned that the federal government would not allow the importation of sub-standard rice or any other good into Nigeria anymore.
He also referred to the successes of the Anchor Borrowers Programme in Kebbi state as a way for Nigerians to start eating and growing its own locally-produced rice.

A two –week CAF C-License Coaching Course organized by the Nigeria Football Federation kicked off in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Monday.
About 80 participants are taking part in the programme, which is the second CAF –endorsed coaching license course the NFF is organizing in under two months. In March, a CAF B-License Coaching Course that involved about 80 coaches took place also in Abuja.
NFF Technical Director Mr. Bitrus Bewarang, who has expressed concern over the fact that hundreds of Nigerian football coaches are unlicensed, is coordinating the programme at the NFF/FIFA Technical Centre, National Stadium Complex, alongside his assistant directors, Coach Abdulrafiu Yusuf, Coach Siji Lagunju and Dr. Robinson Okosun.
Nigeria’s 2002 FIFA World Cup Head Coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, former NFF Technical Director Dr. Kashimawo Laloko and former Super Eagles’ coach James Peters are the course instructors.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi will take the coaches on administration, with Dr. Okosun to talk about psychology and respected instructor Mohammed Ameenu to give a lecture on refereeing.
Former Super Eagles’ physiotherapist Ekundayo Ogunkunle will address the participants on physiotherapy while NFF’s Director of Media and Communications, Ademola Olajire will speak on the relationship between the coach and the media.

As part of effort to further deepen the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cashless policy, Heritage Bank Plc, has called for early lessons for teens on how to perform basic banking tasks, as a basic tools necessary for children’s financial freedom.
In a statement made available to the media, the bank highlighted the importance to educate children on the cashless policy by showing them how prepaid card transactions work and how to use ATM cards to deposit and withdraw.
This is coming on the heels of the commemoration of the May 27 to mark Children Banking Month, with the theme, “Early Positioning for Glocal Relevance,” which is part of Heritage Bank’s children financial literacy initiative.
The Heritage Children Banking Month, which activities will directly impact a minimum of 350 primary and secondary schools nationwide this year, is in recognition of the pivotal role children play as the leaders of tomorrow.
Altogether Heritage bank at the end of the month would have imparted financial education on over 1,000 schools across the country since commencing this programme two year ago, an initiative that the vibrant and dynamic financial institution also considers as a corporate social responsibility.
Speaking on the importance of the celebration, the Managing Director of the bank, Ifie Sekibo stressed that for early positioning of your children for global and local relevance, there was need for parents to teach children on prioritize saving over spending, which is a valuable life lesson, one that takes time to learn.
According to him, opening a savings account for your child is ome of the best ways to introduce that concept at an early age.
“Walking into a branch office is a good way to help your child become familiar with routine transactions involving his or her account. Your child’s online habits, even financial, can be important, too, so check for features such as monthly statements and controls on payments and transfers from savings accounts. You can teach money management and internet safety together,” Sekibo said.
He noted the need for parents to develop series of simple games to teach children about money with good saving habits, which becomes part of their normal development, saving for the future is likely to become a habit.
Meanwhile, the high points of the commemoration will be the selection of 10 students between the ages of 5 to16 years from the six geo-political regions who would be invited to assume various banking roles for the day.
Children who are account holders of ‘Bud Account,’ as well as prospective account holders from each of the regions will be allowed to participate in a competition to produce 60seconds video showcasing how “Glocal you are,” which would elicit social media votes.
Best 3 videos to be used on all social media platforms on the week of children’s day would be presented a tablet each as a special prize.
The MD added: “The project is part of Heritage Bank’s contribution towards transforming the nation in paying more attention to the bud stage. This underscores our belief that if we get it right with the children, then the future of the nation is guaranteed. At Heritage Bank we believe in creating, preserving and transferring wealth.”
Whilst advising parents on opening Bud Account, Sekibo noted, “when your child receives birthday money, or cash from chores, have them put some into the bank to save for bigger ticket items.”
Hundreds of exercise books, pencils, water bottles, umbrellas will be won by pupils, parents and wards in the course of the month through various engaging activities.

ONWUASOANYA FCC JONES

Before we get into this discussion proper, some disclaimers are necessary; even though I belong to the All Progressives Congress, I am not an official of the Party at any level, even though I am a supporter of the Rescue Mission Government in Imo State, I do not hold any position in the government, either formally or informally, hence, I do not get instructions on what to write or what not to write from any quarters. This article, like others before it, is borne out of a conviction in me; that lies must not be allowed to thrive in our society. Speaking and writing the truth are both a passion and a calling, and I will try as much as possible to remain in this lane without deviating. As a former supporter of Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, I do not have anything personal against him, but I put this essay forward as part of my service to humanity, especially, Imolites, so that they may understand what I think are the motivations for the former governor’s recent pastime in harassing the hardworking administration of Owelle Rochas Okorocha, by unnecessarily heating up the polity with badly created fictions. I appreciate that no opinion is indisputable, and it will be my pleasure to engage those who feel they owe the former governor a duty to defend him in the media, if they can come up with arguments based on the issues I have raised, here. Now, we can talk.

Recently, most newspapers that are published in Owerri, the Imo State capital, featured an interview credited to the immediate past governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, with a good number of these papers trying to sensationalize the interview by crafting a news article out of the interview and featuring same on their front pages, with sensational headlines. While the editors of these newspapers, expectedly, chose different words in carrying the news, the one that particularly caught my attention was that which chose to go with the following words; “I WILL LEAD A PROTEST AGAISNT OKOROCHA’S GOVERNMENT- IKEDI OHAKIM”. The editor of this particular newspaper is both a good editor and a fine businessman. He plotted this farce so well, made mockery of the former governor and also had his paper sold out. People rushed to buy the paper, just to read what the former governor wanted to lead a protest against. A friend told me he bought the paper so that he would know if the former governor’s hatred for Imolites had gotten so bad that he wanted to lead a protest against an administration that has freed the people from the bondage he put them in. There are many reasons why that paper sold out, but all of them are disdainful to the former governor.

Everybody has a right to protest, and in fact everybody can protest, but what should matter to us is the reason for any protest being embarked upon by any individual or group. It is important to note that the first ever recorded protest in the history of the world, is that led by Satan, the Devil. The Devil led a protest against God, because he was envious of God and sad that God had prepared great things in stock for mankind. Did the Devil succeed in winning some Angels of God to his side? He did, and even succeeded in winning humankind to his inglorious protest. How did he succeed in wooing even those for whom God had great plans? Through lies, well-coordinated blackmail, propaganda and telling the people what they wanted to hear. Today, we have demons in Abyss who were originally angels in Heaven. They are condemned forever, because they allowed themselves to be taken in by lies, instead of dismissing the Devil and his cocktail of tactful lies.

People get angry for different reasons, people protest for different reasons and people also get happy for different reasons. It is not by mistake that we have a word ‘sadist’ in the English Dictionary. There are people who do not feel happy when things are looking good for a majority of the people. Oppressors will do everything to stop the freedom of the people.

Why is Shekau fighting? The head of the Boko Haram sect is unrelenting in his protest against the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria because he does not want the people to go to school. That is actually the meaning of ‘Boko Haram’; Education is forbidden. This sounds similar to what a former governor openly said during his time at the helm, when he openly declared that ‘education is not for poor people’. There are similarities between this former governor and Shekau, the leader of the Boko Haram sect. Shekau is fortunate to have accessed formal Western Education and is deploying the benefits of formal education even in his fight against the people and government of Nigeria, yet preaches that people should be barred from accessing formal education. This former governor did not have very wealthy parents, but he was able to access education up to tertiary level, yet, he insisted that education is not for the poor and even made it clear that ‘free education is impossible or non-practicable. Is it possible that this same former governor is bitter to the point of wanting to lead a protest against the present administration because the administration has put a lie to his assertion that free education is impossible and the poor should not go to school?

Like Shekau is desperately leading a terrorist attack against Nigeria because he hates the freedom of the people, a leader who did everything within and even outside his powers to subjugate the people and whip them into his despotic line, will do everything to show opposition to an administration that is dedicated to freeing the people from maladministration and guaranteeing them their freedom. This is my analysis of the banner headline carried by one of our local tabloids, which read: I WILL LEAD A PROTEST AGAINST OKOROCHA’S ADMINISTRATION- IKEDI OHAKIM.

Further enquiries into the reason for that headline, led me into reading online an interview former governor, Ikedi Ohakim granted a journalist, Iheanacho Nwosu. Reading the interview was a huge punishment on its own, as I could not get myself to terms with the fact that a man I so much respect and did everything to sell to Imolites nay Nigerians, could be ridiculing himself this much through uncontrolled exhibition of bitterness. To worsen matters, the former governor continues to rehash the same lies he told in previous protest matches he had against the present government. He continues to talk about the quality of projects. Does he not know that if he had given Imolites, one percent of the projects Owelle Rochas Okorocha gave to them in his first year in office, he wouldn’t have been talking as an ex-governor whom the masses rose against and threw out of office in the most unceremonious manner, but as a former governor who completed his tenure?

It is disappointing to read the former governor keep rehashing the lie which he used to deceive a lot of us, that he left some money in the coffers of Imo State government in 2011. The former governor forgot that Imo still boasts of the highest number of graduates in Nigeria, therefore, majority of Imolites cannot be deceived with something they can actually research on. Imo people know what bond is and know that it was not money anybody could have spent anyhow without following certain laid down rules. Imoites are interested in knowing how much of the about 900 Billion Naira Chief Ohakim received as Federal allocation, internally generated revenue and other funds, he left in the coffers of the Imo State government, not a loan he raised through the capital market. If he did not leave any such money in the account, he should tell Imolites what he did with the huge allocation he received from the FG, especially, considering the wonderful relationship he enjoyed with the then, President, Umoru Yaradua and the fact that some of the bills that were been paid by the Udenwa administration were no longer paid by his administration.

Chief Ohakim should have known that even if he becomes a television host with the British Broadcasting Corporation or even CNN, where the focus will be on talking about Imo State under him and the Imo State under Okorocha, no reasonable person will take him seriously, especially, if he does not point to any tangible legacy project of his four years tenure as governor. It is unfortunate that the former governor, who prides himself as a management expert only talks about the plans he had for Imo, and not what he did for Imo State in the four years he was governor. Is he telling us that he did not have any plans before he became governor? Did our former governor use four years of Imo peoples’ mandate to plan for a governorship he already had?

It is saddening that the former governor continues to insult the youths of Imo State by his consistent and spiteful reference to the 10,000 Ponzi scheme; a job scheme which his administration used to distort the prospects of a lot of Imo youths. The former governor should understand that Imolites are not foolish, Imo youths are also not foolish. Writing the name of about 9,000 Imolites in the Imo State Civil Service Payroll less than one month to the expiration of his tenure is one of the worst insults any administration has given to the youths of Imo State. The earliest, some youths got their appointment letter for that job scheme was in Novemeber, 2010, five months before the 2011 election and those who were employed then were less than One thousand people.

As someone who wrote the Aptitude Test and one of the best scorers (I actually scored 74 in that exam) I turned down the invitation to attend the interview when it became obvious that the scheme was merely for political purposes, instead of being targeted at helping our teeming youths get employment into the Imo State Civil Service as they trumpeted, I know a lot not to keep quiet when this kind of lies are deployed to blackmail the high performing government of Owelle Rochas Okorocha. Let me make this very clear, and let it be held against me in the future; no serious government would have retained those new recruits, if it really wanted to move forward. About 80% of the beneficiaries of that Ponzi scheme were yet to be properly deployed before Governor Okorocha took office, while more than 90% of them were yet to receive a dime as salary from the government till Owelle Rochas Okorocha took office. That former Governor Ohakim could deliberately burden the State Civil Service with that number of civil servants at the twilight of his administration says a lot about how much he hates Imo State. He didn’t care about how these people would be paid, for he knew that there was no plan for them to be paid, but he deliberately laid a booby trap for the incoming government so the new administration would be trapped in that mess, and fail in its bid to rescue Imo. That the incumbent governor did not fall into that booby trap is certainly one of the reasons why he is bitter against the governor and envious of the freedom Imo people now enjoy.

It is easy to understand why the former governor could be a very bitter man. It is also easy to appreciate why he will not stop vomiting his negative bile in the public. As a sitting governor whose Party also controlled government at the center, His Excellency, Chief Ikedi Ohakim also had all the security machineries in his palm. His running mate in that election, Professor Viola Onwuliri was alleged to have handpicked most of the Returning Officers across the State, as her husband, Professor Celestine Onwuliri (May God rest his soul) was the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri from where these returning officers were selected. The personal assistant to the Vice-Chancellor (that is husband of the deputy governorship candidate)was one of these electoral officers.

With the system obviously on his side, and everything primed to work in his favor, Chief Ohakim boasted to everyone who cared to listen that; “I will win and I will win with wide margin”. But Imo people proved him wrong, and voted massively for the Rescuer-in-Chief, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. Ikedi Ohakim did not only lose, but lost with wide margin, beyond his own imagination.

For a governor whose signature policy was beautification of Imo State, he could be bitter learning that apart from planting grasses in some parts of Owerri and planting flowers in the center of some roads, there is nothing he could do to achieve that beautification program of his. Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who did not make any promise to beautify Imo State has shown him how to be creative in leadership, by making Imo one of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria. Today, all the unnecessary grasses the former governor planted with all our allocations have been uprooted, while the trees and flowers that were embarrassingly planted at the center of our major roads have been uprooted. In their steads, there are now artificial waterfalls, beautiful and artistically marvelous monuments, better structures across the State, wider road networks, beautifully and tastefully planned and scenic environments that have made Owerri the preferred destination for movie makers in Nigeria, as they have got locations that can pass for London or even Paris for their films.

Another thing that spurs people to bitterness is shame. When someone is ashamed that another person has achieved things he never imagined, he might resort to bitterness and frustration. The former governor could be ashamed that even in his own Okigwe zone, the Owelle Rochas Okorocha has put up projects he never imagined could be in Imo State. We must appreciate how frustrating it could be for our former governor to drive down from Owerri to his Okohia Retreat and be embarrassed by the massive structures that Imo has been adorned with. We should also sympathize with our former governor, because the Okorocha administration has so embarrassed him with projects and many people oriented policies that even his Okohia kinsmen have lost every respect for him. Some Okohia friends of mine, do not hide their disappointment in their brother. Some of them had taken to the social media in the past to lambast their brother for wasting his opportunity in power, with some of them stopping short of calling him a total disappointment to them.

How does our former governor feel seeing the progress of work at the Okigwe campus of Imo State University, a project he could have executed for his people, but failed woefully at? How does our former governor feel, seeing the beautiful sight Okigwe city has become within the last six years? How does our former governor feel, driving through the six LGAs in Okigwe zone and seeing new projects and the smiling faces of poor parents whose children are not deprived of their right to education? How does our former governor feel seeing the intervention on our health sector with the new general hospitals built across the twenty seven LGAs? How does our former governor feel seeing our civil servants wearing new dresses and smiling so heartily because they are well taken care of? He couldn’t have felt better than bitter. He will be ashamed and feel defeated, hence, his resort to lies, propaganda, and constant visits to media houses to pick holes with the policies of the present administration.

How does the former governor feel, seeing that both the rich and the poor are living in a new and modernized Owerri, without any threat from the governor’s wife that those who do not have up to One Million Naira in their accounts, should be evicted from Owerri? How does the former governor feel, seeing even widows very close to his own house benefiting from the over 300 houses built for indigent widows across the State by the First Lady? How does our former governor feel, seeing that children of the poorest of the poor are not only going to school but also getting jobs and getting opportunities to contribute their quota to the development of the State? How does our former governor feel seeing that people can criticize government at will and not be threatened with kidnappers, arrested at will or even brought to the Government House to be whipped by the governor, himself? how does our former governor feel seeing that an incumbent governor regularly organizes an event where ordinary Imolites with any form of complaint against the government are given opportunity to openly vent their anger before the governor? how does our former governor feel seeing the numerous industries and businesses that are springing up across the State as a result of the humane and conducive business environment created by the Rescue Mission Administration? How does our former governor feel, seeing that Imo people are now free? Bitter, ashamed or frustrated? I shall investigate and get back to you.
GOD HAS BLESSED IMO STATE!

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has released the results of the United Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted last Saturday.
This was confirmed by the Registrar of the board, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, while speaking during the monitoring of the ongoing UTME exams, along with the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, in Abuja.
Oloyede and Anwukah visited Digital Bridge Institute, Global Learning Institute, Sascon International School and the JAMB CBT Centre in Kogo, Bwari.
The Registrar expressed his satisfaction over the smooth conduct of the examination so far and said the performance of the candidates “is not too bad.”
He said: “The result of UTME has come out and the performance is not too bad. But we are sure that this is the performance now rather than thinking you can get result one way or the other.”

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, yesterday, completed the 10km Okpekpe Road Race in 86.4 minutes to fulfill his promise to run for the orphanage ‘We Care Trust Charity.’

Hot on his heels were Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu, who completed the race in 86.7 minutes and former governor Adams Oshiomhole, who completed the race after 87.3 minutes of perspiration.

Speaking after the race, the governor said he would set up a sport commission backed-up by the law to reposition sporting activities in the state.

He said: “The focus is strictly in ensuring that there is development of sports in Edo State. I decided to run for the orphanages. We have more than 30 of them in Edo State. Some chose to run for cancer to raise money for the cure, some students of AAU decided to run against cultism.”

He continued that, it was also an opportunity to draw attention to areas and issues of concern, adding that the serenity and safety in the area could also attract investors planning to work with local resources.

In addition, the state governor reiterated that the race had created added value and prosperity to the people.

Meanwhile, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole expressed delight for witnessing the 5th edition of the race.

“There were alot of people who thought that once Comrade Oshiomhole is out of office the Okpekpe Race will be out of the way. The point I really want to amplify is for us to appreciate what Obaseki has done by his own participation by coming here to give affirmative action or expression to put commitment to continue to gaurd out votes because that is the problem of Nigeria.
“So, I’m happy that the programme has outlived my own tenure of office and that is the way it should be,” he explained.

The Hourable Minister of Sport and Youth Development, Solomon Dalong appreciated the quality put into the preparation that led to the success of the event calling on the sustainability of the event to promote sports in the country.

He appreciated the hospitality of the people of Edo State and also participant running for various causes saying this determination will promote sport in Edo State and by extension Nigeria.

“Okpekpe tradition is unique and I call on private sectors to key into the programme to improve it.

In the male categories for elite Ethiopian swept the first, second and third price.

Leul Gabriesialse won the winner’s cash prize of $15,000 finishing at 29:28 sec followed by Dawit Fikadu in second place who pocketed $10,000 with 29:34sec and Jemeh Bekele ($7,000) 32:22sec.

In the women’s category Gedre Azemo (Ethiopia) placed first, Veronica Maiya (Kenya) came in second place while the third place went to another Kenyan Tibiti Alice.

The Nigerian race was won by little known Jigak Monday recording 31 mins 53secs in the men’s class, while perennial women’s champion, Deborah Pam, won again making it the fifth title in 38mins15secs. She also finished seventh overall.

The staff of Just Rite Super Store Abule Egba branch, Joshua Joseph who was arrested and charged before a Lagos court for stealing a pack of sweet worth N250 has been finally convicted and sentence accordingly.
30-year old Joseph was sentenced for community service after the prosecutor, Mr Victor Ewudu presented the facts before the court and asked the court to sentence him accordingly to serve as deterrent to other staff.
However, the presiding Magistrate, Mrs G.O. Anifowoshe heard his plea for leniency during allocutor after she has found him guilty as charged and sentenced him to community service.
It was gathered that by the court pronouncement, Joseph will be in prison custody pending the time he will completed his community service sentence before he would be released.
It was earlier reported that Joseph was arrested and charged to court for stealing by his employers, Just Rite.
He pleaded guilty and was remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri pending when he will be jailed accordingly.
The convicted Joseph reportedly went to work and stole Sweetened Dikins coconut flakes valued the amount.
However, he was caught by the the security who handed him over to the management.

On the heels of the announcement of the successful sale of Keystone Bank Limited and the promise of the new investors to take active steps towards turning around its operations in order to become more competitive in the sector, it appears the management of the Bank has proceeded on a drive to give a face-lift to its various branches across the country as part of the post- divestment repositioning.
Themomentng checks with some of the Bank’s customers across the country revealed that a large spectrum of the customers see this as a welcome development laying credence to the earlier statement from the Bank that the new management of the bank will bring about a transformation which will not only be felt by the staff and customers of the bank through the quality of services, but one that also will be tangible.
A lot of the branches have come alive with a new look and the staff now carry out their duties with a lot of confidence.
Many industry experts also believe that this will further engender a positive perception of the brand in the minds of its stakeholders.
Recall that on the 23rd of March 2017, AMCON successfully divested the assets of Keystone Bank Limited and formally handed the Bank over to the Sigma Golf-Riverbank Consortium.
These new owners appear to be moving confidently in line with their plans to reposition the Bank effectively in the industry having followed due process by fulfilling all the necessary regulatory and legal approvals through a transparent process that has been hailed by industry watchers, investment analysts and discerning minds.
It will also be recalled that the process was anchored by a crack team of transaction and legal advisers including KPMG Professional Services, FBN Capital Limited, Citi Bank Nigeria Limited, Giwa Osagie & Co., Banwo & Ighodalo amongst others.
This, we discovered is quite reassuring to the customers and has bolstered their confidence in the financial institution as it embarks on its transformation.

A mother of five was on Wednesday 10, May 2017 remanded in Kirikiri Prison by an Igbosere Magistrate Court over a case of assault and threat to life.
The presiding Judge, Hon. (Mrs.) Botoku of Igbosere Magistrate Court 2 gave the order to that effect.
The accused, Mrs. Uche Jerry Okoh, was alleged to have assaulted a legal practitioner, Mrs. Blessing Ahmed, on April 19, 2017 in the Oko-Oba area of Lagos State in the course of carrying out her official duty as a legal consultant to the accused landlord.
However, when the case came up for hearing on Wednesday, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently committed to bail but failed to meet the condition.
On compassionate grounds, the trial judge gave a bail conditions of N 100,000, one surety in like sum, who must also have evidence of tax payment and verified address in a paid employment.
The lawyers to the complainant, Jude Ozemohya esq, Armani John and Atunbi John did not object to the bail conditions.
The accused who failed to meet her bail conditions, was subsequently remanded at the Kirikiri Maximum prison pending when she will be able to meet the conditions.
It will be recalled that the accused and others on the run assaulted and inflicted heavy injuries on the lawyer, Mrs. Ahmed when she had gone to serve the accused a letter.
The matter has been adjourned to June 15, 2017.

he Kano state House of Assembly has, among other reasons, begun a probe on the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II for unduly citicising the President Muhammadu Buhari, All Progressives Congress, APC-led government.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Alhassan Rirum, disclosed on Thursday that the legislators’ probe of the monarch was strictly informed by a motion raised by a member representing Nassarawa state constituency, Ibrahim Gama.
The lawmaker had on Wednesday leveled eight charges against the traditional ruler and urged the House to quickly carry out an investigation into the charges.
The allegations include: defamation of character, breach of oath of office/oath of allegiance, abuse of office privileges and protocol, and political and religious interference.
Other charges are: unguarded utterances, misappropriation of public funds, misrepresentation at public gatherings and undue criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari/APC-led government.
The motion was seconded by the member representing Kano Municipal constituency, Babba Dan’Agundi, and was unanimously adopted by the House.
The legislators consequently constituted a seven-man investigative committee chaired by the legislator representing Ajingi constituency, Abdul Madari, to carry out the investigation.
Other members of the committee include the lawmaker representing Kano Municipal, Babba Dan’Agundi, as vice chairman and; member representing Kiru constituency, Kabiru Dachi.
The committee also includes members representing Dambatta constituency, Sani Maidaji; Garko constituency, Abba Garko; and two officials from the legal department of the Assembly.
Rirum further clarified that the investigation by the House was not connected to a similar exercise being undertaken by an agency of the executive arm of the state government.
Recalls that the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission had earlier announced that it had opened inquiry into alleged misappropriations of funds of the Kano Emirate Council allegedly running into about N6bn from the time Sanusi became the Emir in 2014.

Mercy Aigbe-Gentry Nollywood actress, who has since removed ‘Gentry’ (her husband’s name) from her social media accounts have revealed in an exclusive interview with Broadway TV the details of the scandal that have trailed her and her husband for the past few weeks.

Mercy had accused the husband of physical violence that has affected her sight and caused her to bleed internally from the physical abuse allegedly melted down to her on Sunday, April 16, 2017.

When she was asked why she came out to say her husband never touched her, she was quick to refute it.

“I never for once came out to say that my husband did not beat me. The video people were referring to happened in 2013 when there were rumours of such and I did a video recording alongside my husband to debunk the claim. At that time I had to do it to protect his image and my marriage. I had to do a live video at that time”, she said.

Continue after the cut

About Beating…
“He beats me consistently.” When probed on why she stayed that long after the consistent beating, Mercy revealed that she did because she wanted a home. “I stayed because I loved him and because everytime he beats me, he begs and gets family and friends to beg me. He promised regularly to change but he never did. When my husband gets angry, he gets physical, not only to me but to anyone. He has done that with my house help who reported him to the Police years ago.
“I stayed because of my children and because a lot of people look up to me. I was a role model of some sort and I really wanted to keep it together. I just wanted a home”.

Why she wants to leave now…
“It’s not like I wanted to walk away but I just feel like we need help. I spoke to my husband’s brother about it. I told him I was going to pack out for some time while my husband seeks therapy. I just wanted to feel safe, that is why I moved my things out. This last beating was brutal. I actually thought I was going to die”.

I’m Still Coughing blood

The Nollywood actress revealed that her husband broke her orbits which will necessitate a surgery for her to see properly. “I’m still coughing and sneezing blood even after three weeks”, she reveals how severe the injury inflicted upon her is.

My Husband Was Sleeping With a Girl

Aigbe also revealed that the last incident started few days before when she discovered that her husband was sleeping with a lady. A lady she claimed to be her friend whom she was close to. This was a regular attitude from her husband; a man she claims has slept with a lot of people close to her, even her PAs.

He confronted him and it led to a huge argument which was turning violent before she had to keep quiet.

He Kept Beating Me

On the day of the incident, Mercy had informed her husband that she was attending a burial of her colleague. After his hesitance, she explained that it would not be fair on the lady since she had promised to be there and even invited him to come along.

Mercy revealed that it was her refusal to go and pick her husband up while she was still at her designer’s place that brought the fury of the man on her. He was said to have driven there and started to beat her in the presence of everybody.
“Immediately, I opened the door, he kept beating me. I was begging him and asking why he was beating me. He said he would destroy my face such that no make-up would fix it and destroy my career. He was acting like someone who was possessed. I told him “Lanre, mo ma bi mo fun e” (translated as “I have a child for you).
I agree that I am a fool

In the exclusive interview, the Nollywood star said she agrees that she was a fool for staying that long even with all the beating and humiliation. “I believed that a wise woman builds her home. That’s why I stayed that long”, she said.

About Cheating
“If he had shown a bit of remorse, maybe things would have been different. He went on sa